SIZE: 1.94 GB, 5 parts
Description:
As an IT professional, a back-of-the-napkin sketch just doesn’t always cut it when you need to visualize and communicate complex information. Enter Microsoft Visio 2010 – your best friend when it comes to creating compelling, data-linked visuals.
No matter the business processes you need to communicate – software lifecycle workflow, Web site schematics, data center diagrams, and so forth – Microsoft Visio 2010 helps you create dynamic visual representations that bring your information to life. CBT Nuggets Visio expert Tim Warner tailors his Visio training to you, the IT pro, by showing you how to create technical drawings specific to the IT industry. And, you’ll learn how to share your interactive, refreshable diagrams with your employer, your colleagues, and your customers.
From simple to complex, this Nugget series will teach you how to create accurate, shareable, professional diagrams that effectively communicate with your audience.
Titles:
Course Introduction
In this nugget we set the stage for the rest of the course. First we discuss how, why, and for whom the training was created. We provide you with practical advice on how to derive maximum benefit from the course in the least amount of time. We also formally introduce Microsoft Visio 2010, covering product history, core functionality, and the benefits of having Visio diagram creation in your skill set. 00:20:45
Installing and Updating Visio 2010
In this nugget we discuss all aspects related to installing, configuring, and maintaining the Microsoft Visio 2010 software. We will cover system requirements, differences among the Visio editions, and how to install the software in conjunction with Microsoft Office 2010. We will also learn how to maintain the software and relevant tasks including adding and removing features and uninstalling the program from your computer. 00:23:02
Touring the Visio 2010 Interface
In this nugget we learn how to open, navigate, and close the Visio application. We pay particular attention to the Office Fluent user interface (UI), which consists of the Backstage view and the Ribbon. We cover the various file types used by Visio (vsd, vss, vst, etc.). We learn how to export Visio drawings to a variety of formats, specifically for viewing by folks who do not have Visio 2010 installed on their computers. 00:43:00
Creating a Flowchart
In this nugget we undertake our very first IT-oriented Visio 2010 drawing—the flowchart. We start by covering how to download Visio sample diagrams to whet your inspiration. We then create a flowchart from scratch; this lesson incorporates useful skills such as placing shapes on the page, resizing shapes, and laying out the entire drawing. 00:37:16
Creating an Organizational Chart
In this nugget we learn how to visualize the organizational structure of a company by using the organizational chart Visio 2010 templates. We use both the built-in organizational chart wizard as well as the shapes in the Shapes window. We also spend time on techniques to improve the visual quality of the drawing by applying themes and background pages. 00:38:28
Creating an IT Asset Management Diagram
In this nugget we learn how to track IT assets by using Visio 2010. This lesson will give us additional practice in creating Visio drawings that are linked to external data. 00:35:53
Creating Database Model Diagrams
In this nugget we build data models. Specifically, we move in two directions: we import a database schema from an existing database and let Visio 2010 build the model automatically; we then create a new data model in Visio and then export the metadata as a runtime SQL DDL creation script. 00:39:44
Creating Network Topology Diagrams
In this nugget we build data models. Specifically, we move in two directions: we import a database schema from an existing database and let Visio 2010 build the model automatically; we then create a new data model in Visio and then export the metadata as a runtime SQL DDL creation script. 00:34:57
Creating Rack Diagrams
In this nugget we learn how to visualize a server or telco rack. Specifically, we use both the rack diagram stencils that are built into Visio 2010 as well as vendor-specific stencils that we obtain for free on the Internet. 00:38:47
Creating Data Center Diagrams
In this nugget we learn some of the basic mechanisms of creating floor plan diagrams with Visio 2010. As an IT manager you may be required to plan a data center, server room, fleet of telco closets, Wi-Fi infrastructure, or other physical plant projects. Toward this end, we can use Visio 2010 to create detailed and accurate architectural drawings that model real-world scale. 00:29:54
Creating Web Site Diagrams
We start this nugget by using Visio 2010 to brainstorm (also called “wireframe”) a website. After we finish the conceptual diagram, we unleash some serious computing power on Visio’s part by having the application dynamically map a live Web site. We finish by generating useful reports based upon the Web site map. 00:29:40
Mapping Active Directory
In this nugget we learn how to generate Active Directory topology diagrams both automatically and manually. To automatically visualize AD, we use the free Active Directory Topology Diagrammer utility. We then create a “homemade” Active Directory topology diagram using the Visio 2010 built-in Active Directory stencil. 00:28:01
Creating Wireframe UI Diagrams
In this nugget we learn how to use Visio to create static mockups of desktop and Web application interfaces. Many IT professionals aren’t aware that you can create software prototypes with Visio 2010; why yes you can! We will also dive into the use of third-party stencils and learn how the Favorites stencil works. 00:38:29
Creating Brainstorming Diagrams
One of the best ways to start a project plan is by using brainstorming. In this nugget we will discuss the historical background of brainstorming, paying particular attention to the mindmapping technique developed by the British researcher Tony Buzan. We’ll then use Visio 2010 to get our ideas down efficiently and effectively in a real-world mind map. 00:43:18
Creating Timelines
Part of many IT professionals’ job roles is that of project manager. Many people find timeline diagrams to be an easy-to-understand method for presenting chronological data, processes, history, etc. In this nugget we learn how to create great-looking and truly informative timeline drawings by using Visio 2010. 00:31:08
Creating and Validating BPMN Diagrams
In this nugget we learn what Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is and how it is helpful in documenting business processes that span organizational departments (or even organizations themselves). We will use the built-in BPMN template in Visio 2010 to construct a BPMN cross-functional flowchart and validate the drawing against the BPMN 1.2 spec. 00:28:40
Visio 2010 on the Web
Sometimes we need to share Visio 2010 drawings with folks who don’t have Visio installed on their computers. Yes, there is the Visio 2010 Viewer, but we have a more robust solution: Visio Services in SharePoint 2010 Enterprise! By the end of this nugget you will know all that is required to publish dynamic, data-driven Visio 2010 diagrams to SharePoint where users can view and interact with them by using a Web browser. 00:27:12
Mastering Visio 2010 Templates
As you probably know, we can use templates to make it easy to build new documents based upon a predefined example. In this nugget we learn how to create powerful Visio 2010 templates that give the user all of the building blocks (stencils, shape masters, background pages, drawing scale, etc.) they need to quickly create top-notch drawings that match organizational/departmental standards. 00:25:02
Using VBA and the ShapeSheet
In this nugget we take our Visio 2010 skills to an entirely different level. Here we peek “behind the curtain” or “under the hood” and learn how to (a) automate our frequently repeated processes by leveraging the powerful Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming environment; and (b) control all elements of our Visio document by editing the ShapeSheet. 00:53:45
Useful Visio 2010 Resources
We will complete the series by sharing with you a pile of Internet resources to support your further mastery of Microsoft Visio 2010. First we revisit which templates and features exist in which Visio edition. Next, we give you the location of the best Web sites to find free Visio stencils, documentation, and so forth. 00:29:40
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